Fall 2018- F1 Student Visa Experience: (Kolkata Consulate | Utah State University | Management Information System- Approved)

Applicant Profile:

University: Utah State UniversityCourse: MS in Management Information System

First Attempt

Kolkata ConsulateDate: May 2018Status: ApprovedCounter No: 3

Visa Interview Encounter:

Arrived by 8 AM and waited until being permitted into the 9:45 queue, proceeded through the line, and entered the final waiting line after a re-verification of fingerprints.

ME: Hello, good morningVO: Hi, good morning. Did you pay your SEVIS fee?ME: Yes.VO: So, what is the purpose of your trip to the USA?ME: To pursue an MS in MIS at Utah State University.VO: Could you hand me your I-20?ME: Yes, here it is.

Register for F1 Visa Awareness Session⬅️

VO: Why Utah State University?ME: Primarily due to the scholarship, graduate assistantship, and strong technical exposure.VO: Which other universities have you received acceptances and rejections from?ME: Acceptances: UTD, OSU. Rejections: University of ArizonaVO: Who will be funding your education?ME: My father and an education loan from HDFC Credila.VO: Are you aware of the OPT option, and have you left your current employment?ME: Yes, since it is a STEM-designated program, and I am currently serving my notice period.VO: Your visa is approved. Best of luck.ME: Thank you.

• The visa officer was a young woman, pleasant in demeanor though slightly difficult to hear clearly.
• The entire procedure lasted approximately 1.5 hours.
• Remain confident and concise during your conversation, and you will secure the visa simply by avoiding unnecessary elaboration. Incidentally, she requested nothing other than the I-20 and passport.